Vol. 529 No. 3
36 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the need to teach children how to swim during their time attending primary schools; the action he has taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2701/01]
Swimming is part of the aquatics strand of the revised primary curriculum. The term "aquatics" is used to include not only the teaching of swimming but the provision of opportunities for enjoyment of water play. The aquatics programme is designed for implementation at any class level having regard to the availability of a local facility and the readiness of pupils to begin water based activities. Where a local facility exists, I am very much in favour of swimming being taught to pupils as part of the aquatics programme.
In addition, I introduced an annual physical education grant for all primary schools last year. Under the terms of this grant all schools designated as disadvantaged plus schools in the rural phase of the Breaking the Cycle scheme will receive an annual grant of £1,000 per school while all other schools will receive £500 per school. Circular 28/00 which issued from my Department to all schools in October 2000 outlines specific materials or activities on which schools may spend this grant. The circular specifically states that "schools may also wish to use the grant to alleviate the costs incurred with the provision of swimming classes or other similar activities". My Department will shortly be making arrangements for the issue of this year's grants to schools.
